Fiery Gizzard Trail
South Cumberland State Recreation Area

Fiery Gizzard Trail 

This trail has length options of 10 miles round trip, rated medium or 17-miles one-way featuring cascading streams, numerous waterfalls, panoramic overlooks, extremely rocky gorges, gentle slopes and lush woodlands. This trail is one of the most diverse and beautiful in the state and the 17-mile option has been ranked as one of the top twenty-five backpacking trails in the U. S. by Backpacker magazine. There are four primitive campgrounds along the trail. Start at the Grundy Forest Natural Area Picnic Shelter.  Descend into the gorge, passing some spectacular rock formations, including Chimney Rock. The rocky terrain, especially on the Fiery Gizzard Trail, makes the hike strenuous. To avoid the rocks, take the Fiery Gizzard Trail to the Dog Hole Trail. As hikers approach the overlook at Raven Point, they will pass waterfalls, a 500-year-old hemlock tree, and interesting bits of history.

Directions: Traveling I-24, take Exit 135 to Tracy City . Follow the signs to the Grundy Forest .